Frankland Islands Express Day Tour

Frankland Islands Express Day Tour

This captivating tropical island adventure commences aboard an air-conditioned coach with pickup from Cairns. Travelling southward, guests will be mesmerised by the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest-clad mountains, vast expanses of sugar cane fields, and the remarkable Walsh's Pyramid, soaring as the tallest natural freestanding pyramid globally.

Upon arriving at Deeral, a mere 45-minute drive from Cairns, guests will board the agile Wantaim vessel to cruise along the Mulgrave River, lined by verdant rainforest and mangroves supporting abundant bird species including kingfishers, ibis, spoonbills, egrets and Saltwater Crocodiles.

From the mouth of the river, the boat will venture out to the traditional sea country of the Mandingalby Yidinji and Gungandji peoples. This archipelago is located only 10 kilometres offshore, being the shortest sea crossing of any Great Barrier Reef day trip. Once at Normanby Island, guests will be captivated by the stunning sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, tranquil rock pools and vibrant fringing reefs, inviting them to snorkel right from the beach.

With a minimum of 2.5 hours to enjoy the island, this express tour is perfect for guests who are short on time. Guests can choose between a semi-submarine tour or a guided snorkel experience. They also have plenty of time to explore the island at their leisure, with stand-up paddleboards and two-seater kayaks available for hire. An optional lunch add-on is available to purchase. Guests will enjoy high-quality service from a highly trained crew who are knowledgeable about the islands and their wildlife.

Activity: Semi-submersible

Discover the pristine coral reefs without getting your feet wet, from the comfort of a semi-submarine. Large viewing windows on the lower deck provide an unobstructed view of the underwater world, allowing you to see the vibrant coral formations, colourful fish, turtles and other marine creatures that call the reef home.

During the experience, you will receive commentary, pointing out and explaining the various marine species and ecological features that pass by the viewing windows. This provides a fantastic opportunity for those who may not be comfortable with snorkelling or diving, to still witness the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef's marine life up close.

Activity: Snorkel Safari

Experts say the clean, clear water and more remote location make the Frankland Islands, make it one of the best islands for snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. On the snorkel safari, your marine biologist or master reef guide will take you by boat to the western side of the island, where you will drift snorkel back around to the beach.

Straight away you'll be surrounded by colourful tropical fish and a myriad of other marine life. Green or hawksbill sea turtles are seen on the majority of snorkel safari trips, with the opportunity to float alongside them as they swim and feed a mesmerising experience. For many, the highlight is to see the amazing electric blue anemone with its resident clownfish just off the shore. Throughout the snorkel, you'll discover coral gardens, full of hard and soft corals, giant clams and an abundance of colourful fish.

Expert crew and Master Reef Guide are on hand to explain this amazing and unique ecosystem and enable you to learn more about the Great Barrier Reef.

If you've never snorkelled before, don't worry – our crew will give you all the instruction and briefing you need. Flotation devices are available so you can float along with ease and just enjoy the sights as you explore the reef. The day trip includes all snorkel equipment and protection suits.

Tour details

Vessel Details: The experience uses a high-performance 14-metre Naiad vessel, perfect for navigating the mangrove edges during the river cruise, offering better opportunities to spot crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife. With a capacity capped at just 44 passengers, guests enjoy a small-group experience with more time to engage with our passionate guides and learn about the Great Barrier Reef.

Group Size: Vessel numbers are limited to just 44 guests, with the island capacity a total of 100 guests total, ensuring first class customer service and comfort and space on the island.

Departure Information: Coach transfers from Cairns CBD accommodation commence at 9:00 am. If you prefer to self-drive, Deeral is an easy 45-minute drive from Cairns - please allow time for the drive and check in at the vessel by 9:45 am. The vessel departs Deeral at 10:00 am and returns at 2:00 pm, with coaches returning to Cairns around 3:30 pm.

Frequently Asked Questions: See here.

How you'll be making a positive impact

We have aligned our sustainability vision with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).